Is there something my hairdresser could put on my facelift incisions to protect them when coloring my hair?

Question

I just really want to be on the safe side as my scalp is normally dry/sensitive & is always sensitive to hair coloring/lightening products. Maybe aquaphor? Or some type of protective strip? I can order and bring to my hair stylist anything you suggest. Also, I booked my hair appointment for 9.5 weeks post-op. Is that ok? Thanks so much!

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

I tell my patients to color their hair right before surgery then to wait 2-3 weeks after. If there are any concerns about the hair chemicals getting to the incisions, then i suggest applying a layer of aquaphor

Jeffrey Wisnicki, MD · Answer

Aquaphor should work fine to protect your incisions after your facelift.  Your incisions should be well healed at 9.5 weeks.  I generally recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure depending on healing.  Best wishes!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

At 9.5 weeks post op, you should be fine to have your hair colored. Using aquaphor wouldn't hurt as extra protection. Check with your surgeon who knows you best. Good luck.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

As a facelift specialist, in our practice I have developed an easy to follow protocol for my patients regarding hair coloring.  In summary, get the hair colored a few days before surgery, and then resume the usual hair coloring schedule about 3 weeks after the facelift.  At this point of healing the typical chemicals used in a salon should not damage the incision. For patients with sensitive skin, the stylist can protect the incision with  lotion that they use to protect the skin from getting stained form hair dye.  When need be, I allow my patients to touch up their hair sooner, with special instructions, depending on the incision placement.

Douglas M. Stevens, MD · Answer

I agree with the others that at 9 weeks you really should not have any troubles with coloring your hair.  Use of vaseline or aquaphor along the incision line can add a degree of protection.

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your facelift! I hope all of the incisions are healing well. Typically after about 3 weeks, your incisions are all fully closed. At this point, various hair treatments can then be done without precautions.The only precaution for hair treatment is to exercise care when using a hair drier or curling iron as the area around the incisions may still be numb, so careful not to inadvertently burn yourself. Good luck with the new hair style!Sincerely, Eric T. Carniol, MD

Is there something my hairdresser could put on my facelift incisions to protect them when coloring my hair?

Answers (6)